Reversible two setting preload spacer

Abstract

A reversible, two setting preload spacer includes a body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The spacer also includes an opening formed through the body and extending along the axis from the first end to the second end. The opening is defined by an inner surface and configured to receive a portion of a shock tube of a shock absorber. The spacer also includes an engagement structure configured to engage a groove on the shock tube positioned on the inner surface. The engagement structure is positioned such that a first distance between the engagement structure and the first end is greater than a second distance between the engagement structure and the second end.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for adjusting the ride height of a vehicle, the method comprising:
 compressing a spring of a coilover shock absorber; 
 removing a clip that supports a lower spring perch of the coilover shock absorber; 
 installing a reversible spacer onto the coilover shock absorber in either a first orientation or a second orientation; and 
 releasing the compression on the spring. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein installing the reversible spacer comprises selecting either the first orientation or the second orientation. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein installing the reversible spacer in either the first orientation or the second orientation comprises positioning a first end of the reversible spacer toward the lower spring perch or positioning a second end of the reversible spacer toward the lower spring perch, respectively. 
     
     
       4. The method of any of  claim 1 , wherein installing the reversible spacer comprises engaging a protrusion of the reversible spacer with a groove from which the clip was removed. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein installing the reversible spacer comprises attaching a first portion of the reversible spacer to a second portion of the reversible spacer with one or more fasteners. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising installing a shim between the coilover shock absorber and a shock tower of the vehicle. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the shim comprises a disc. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the reversible spacer comprises:
 a body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed by a first portion and a second portion configured to be attached together, wherein the first portion is separate from the second portion, and wherein the first portion is selectively attachable to the second portion by one or more fasteners; 
 an opening formed through the body extending along the axis from the first end to the second end, the opening defined by an inner surface of each of the first portion and the second portion and configured to receive and contact portion of the coilover shock absorber; 
 an engagement structure formed on the inner surface of each of the first portion and the second portion, the engagement structure configured to engage a groove on the coilover shock absorber to prevent the body from moving along an axis of the coilover shock absorber, the engagement structure positioned on the inner surface of each of the first portion and the second portion such that a first distance between the engagement structure and the first end is greater than a second distance between the engagement structure and the second end; 
 wherein, when installed in the first orientation, the first end contacts the lower spring perch of the coilover shock absorber to cause a first increase in vehicle ride height, and 
 when installed in the second orientation, the second end contacts the lower spring perch of the coilover shock absorber to cause a second increase in vehicle ride height. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein a first profile of the first end and a second profile of the second end are symmetric across a plane normal to the axis of the reversible spacer. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the first end and the second end are configured to alternately engage the lower spring perch of the coilover shock absorber. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the engagement structure comprises an annular protrusion extending from the inner surface. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the first portion comprises a first semicircular shape, and wherein the second portion comprises a second semicircular shape. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 8 , wherein, in the first orientation, the reversible spacer causes a first amount of spring preload, and wherein, in the second orientation, the reversible spacer causes a second amount of spring preload. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 8 , wherein, in the first orientation, the device spaces the lower spring perch a first distance above the groove, and wherein, in the second orientation, the device spaces the lower spring perch a second distance above the groove. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the coilover shock absorber comprises a groove formed in an outer surface of a shock body thereof, and wherein the reversible spacer comprises an engagement structure configured in size and shape to engage the groove in both the first orientation and the second orientation.